Boron trifluoride mediated ring-opening reactions of trans-2-aryl-3-nitro-cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylates. Synthesis of aroylmethylidene malonates as potential building blocks for heterocycles.

trans-2-Aryl-3-nitro-cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylates, upon treatment with BF3·OEt2, undergo ring-opening rearrangement and the Nef reaction to give aroylmethylidene malonates. The products are found to be potential precursors for heterocycles, such as imidazoles, quinoxalines, and benzo[1,4]thiazines.